12 Hours in Boston for Any Traveler

Boston is a city of multiple personalities. From the Pilgrims to the Patriots, Boston is rich with history, art, sports, and fashion. Whether you’re in town for business or you’re bringing your entire family on a Boston vacation, there’s plenty to see and do. At the heart of it all are Kimpton Hotel Marlowe, Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel and Kimpton Onyx Hotel, respectively, all located at the center of the city’s most historic sites and also its newest attractions. To make the most of your trip to Boston, we’ve pulled together 12-hour itineraries, so you can be sure to see everything you want and still have time to relax and unwind at Kimpton’s nightly wine hour.

USS Constitution 1

For history buffs
Just steps from Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel’s front door is one of the most historic walkways in history: the Freedom Trail. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile long path through downtown Boston, marked by iconic red bricks, that passes by 16 locations significant to America’s history. Start at the King’s Chapel, founded in 1686 and home to the oldest American pulpit still used. From there, visit the Old Granary Burying Grounds, where you’ll pay your respects to many Revolutionary War-era soldiers as well as Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere.

Before moving on, stop off at the Brattle Book Shop, just around the corner from Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel and a quick stroll from Kimpton Onyx Hotel. The Brattle Book Shop was established is 1825 and is today one of America’s oldest antique book shops, and where you might find a good book or two about Boston’s history. Continue your walk through history into the Boston Common, the oldest city park in the United States. Dating back to 1634, the Common was once used as a basecamp by the British for the Revolutionary War, and is now where you’ll find Boston residents and tourists relaxing among the 50 acres of green space. Just on the other side of the park is the Boston Public Garden, where you can pay homage to George Washington, and take a boat ride in the city’s famous swan boats.

Your Freedom Trail tour will take you through Boston’s North End so you can visit the home of Paul Revere and the Old North Church, where Revere famously hung two lanterns to let the Patriots know the British were coming by sea. The Freedom Trail ends at the site of the USS Constitution in Charlestown, one of the oldest working Navy ships in rotation today. Stop off at The Warren Tavern for a bite to eat, where Paul Revere himself was said to have stopped in for a pint.

Ogawa

For the business traveler
Boston is a hotbed of new opportunities, so it’s no wonder business travelers flock to the city to seal their business deals. If you’re in town for business, make sure to add a little leisure to your trip by visiting these popular places, frequented by Boston’s most in-the-know entrepreneurs.

Start your day off on the right foot with a cup of java from Ogawa, a Japanese coffee chain famous for its strong brew and Asian bites. The Single Origin Trio is a flight of three different coffee shots, and the Signature Drink is a martini glass filled with chilled, foamed espresso paired with a cappuccino. Small bites are offered as well, so you don’t have to hit the boardroom on an empty stomach. If you need a change of scenery from your guest room, co-working spaces are offered throughout the city.

Coalition, WeWork, and ImpactHub are steps from the Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel’s front doors, and offer private meeting spaces as well as cubicles for business travelers to work from. After a day wheeling and dealing, take your business partners for a celebratory dinner at Yvonne’s, the modern-day supper club located off Winter Street in Boston’s Downtown Crossing. Enjoy the ambiance at one of Boston’s hottest restaurants while you sip on martinis and enjoy artful bites from the kitchen.

Newbury Street

For the shopaholic
From small boutiques to international luxury brands, Boston boasts one of the country’s best shopping scenes. Whether you’re looking for a new statement piece or just to buy a few last-minute items, there’s something for every shopper’s price point in Boston.

Recently, Primark opened its first U.S. location just steps away from Kimpton Nine Zero and Kimpton Onyx hotels in Boston’s Downtown Crossing. The doors to this six-level shopping complex are open daily and feature everything from accessories and handbags to workout wear and night-out essentials.

A short walk from Primark through the Boston Common and Boston Public Gardens will land you on Newbury Street, Boston’s trendiest street brimming with luxury designers’ outposts and local boutiques. Start your stroll at the corner of Newbury and Arlington Streets, where you can window shop at Burberry, Chanel, Versace, and Dior. Big name brands like Anthropologie and Banana Republic sit next to designer boutiques like Rag + Bone, LIT and Crush a few short blocks down. If your arms get heavy from carrying bags, stop at Stephanie’s on Newbury – a local favorite and celebrity hotspot. Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and “Cheers” star Ted Danson have been spotted dining here alongside locals and tourists. If you’re a Kimpton Nine Zero guest, be sure to ask about their “Live Like A Local” guide for exclusive offers at some of the best boutiques, like Salon Mario Russo and Daniela Corte.

Turn off Newbury Street at Copley Square and you’ll find yourself in front of Copley Place, a two-level shopping complex featuring everything from Neiman Marcus to Coach and Stuart Weitzman. With 75 shops to choose from inside Copley Place, you’re sure to find something you fancy. For shopping that’s a little less extravagant but equally as unique, head to Charles Street on Beacon Hill where you’ll stumble upon local art stores and independent fashion and accessories boutiques. You’ll find one-of-a-kind designs, handcrafted jewelry and local artisan food shops along Charles Street. Rest your tired feet at any one of Beacon Hill’s restaurants, like the quaint 75 Chestnut or hip and trendy Toscano.

New England Aquarium

For families
If you’re in town with the whole brood, you’ll be plenty occupied with activities suitable for all ages. Just a short walk from Kimpton Nine Zero is Boston’s New England Aquarium and Long Wharf, where you can hop on one of the Boston Harbor Cruise Lines tour boats. Take a ride around the harbor or visit one of the Boston Harbor Islands, just a short sail from the city.

If you have scientific exploration in mind, you’ll appreciate a visit to the Boston’s Museum of Science, located across the street from the Kimpton Hotel Marlowe and only a short T-ride away from Kimpton Onyx and Nine Zero. Your little scientists will especially appreciate the museum’s highly interactive exhibits–where hands-on learning and discovery is encouraged.

If you find yourself with a few minutes to spare before your cruise or after your walk through the Aquarium, hop over to the Greenway Carousel, located at The Tiffany & Co. Foundation Grove and featuring animals native to Boston, like the lobster, cod, fox, turtle, whale, and harbor seal. When the kids get hungry, head back toward Kimpton Nine Zero and stop into JM Curley’s off Temple Street, where comfort food abounds. The restaurant is known for its legendary burgers and boozy shakes, and plenty of table games to keep kids at bay.

Tell us: What is YOUR favorite Boston spot?

– Melanie Nayer 

(Photo credits: Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau)